Mastering Lamprey Eel for Fraser River Sturgeon
For the dedicated anglers of Sturgeon BC, the pursuit of the Fraser River’s ancient White Sturgeon is a passion. While many baits can tempt these prehistoric giants, one often rises to the top of the “must-have” list for seasoned sturgeon hunters: the Pacific Lamprey. Often simply called “eel” by anglers, this unique creature holds an almost magnetic allure for sturgeon, and understanding how to effectively use it can be a game-changer in your quest for a truly memorable catch.
This guide, crafted for Sturgeon BC readers, delves deep into the world of lamprey as a premier sturgeon bait, exploring why it’s so effective, how to source and prepare it, and the best strategies for presenting it to these magnificent fish.
Why Lamprey? The Potent Science of Attraction
Pacific Lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus) are not true eels but rather an ancient lineage of jawless fish. They are native to the Fraser River system, meaning they are a natural and recognized food source for White Sturgeon. But what makes them so exceptionally effective?
- High Oil Content & Distinctive Scent: Lamprey are incredibly rich in oils. As these oils leach into the water, they create a potent and far-reaching scent trail that sturgeon, with their highly developed olfactory senses, can detect from impressive distances. The scent is distinct, pungent, and seems to be a powerful feeding trigger.
- Natural Prey Item: Sturgeon have coexisted with lamprey for millennia. They recognize them as a high-energy food source. In fact, it’s not uncommon to see the circular marks on sturgeon where lamprey have previously attached (as lamprey are parasitic during part of their lifecycle).
- Excellent Durability: Lamprey possess tough, cartilaginous bodies and resilient skin. This makes them a durable bait that can withstand the Fraser’s strong currents and the attention of smaller, bait-stealing fish. A well-rigged piece of lamprey can remain effective for extended periods.
- Year-Round Effectiveness: While some baits (like eulachon or salmon roe) have distinct seasonal peaks, lamprey can produce results throughout the entire sturgeon fishing season, from the cooler months of early spring and late fall into the depths of winter, and even during the summer. Their strong scent profile makes them a reliable option when other food sources are less abundant or when water conditions make it harder for sturgeon to locate less odorous baits.
Sourcing Your Secret Weapon: Finding Quality Lamprey
Pacific Lamprey are typically sold frozen at reputable tackle shops throughout the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland.
- What to Look For: Seek out lamprey that are well-frozen, firm to the touch, and retain a natural, dark coloration. Avoid packages with excessive ice crystals (a sign of freeze/thaw cycles) or those where the lamprey appear pale, overly soft, or discolored.
- Storage is Key: Once purchased, keep your lamprey frozen until you are ready to prepare it for your fishing trip. Transport it in a quality cooler to maintain its frozen state.
Preparation and Rigging: Turning Lamprey into an Irresistible Offering
Proper preparation and rigging are crucial to maximizing the effectiveness of lamprey.
1. Thawing: It’s generally best to thaw lamprey slowly. You can transfer it from the freezer to a refrigerator the night before your trip or let it thaw gradually in a cooler on the way to the river. Avoid rapid thawing in hot water, as this can degrade the bait’s quality.
2. Cutting Techniques: While very small lamprey could potentially be used whole, sturgeon anglers almost exclusively use them as cut bait.
- Chunk Size: The most common approach is to cut the lamprey into cylindrical chunks, typically 1.5 to 3 inches in length. The ideal size can vary depending on the size of sturgeon you anticipate and the current conditions.
- To Score or Not to Score? Some anglers like to lightly score the tough skin of the lamprey chunks with a knife. The theory is that these shallow cuts help to release more oil and scent into the water. Others prefer to leave the chunks unscored, believing the natural leaching is sufficient. Experimentation can determine your preference.
- The Slime Factor: Lamprey naturally have a layer of slime. Most anglers use them as is, but some may wipe off excess slime. It’s unlikely to make a significant difference to sturgeon, who are drawn by the internal oils and scent.
3. Hooking Methods for Maximum Hold and Exposure: Lamprey’s tough skin is an asset for keeping it on the hook, but it also means you need to hook it securely.
- Secure Hooking: For a typical chunk, pass a large, sharp, barbless hook (sizes 5/0 to 10/0 are common for sturgeon) through the center of the chunk once, or twice for an even better hold. For instance, enter one side, exit the other, then re-enter near the exit point and bring the hook point out again.
- Hook Point Exposure: CRITICAL! Always ensure the hook point and barb (if applicable, though barbless is mandatory for sturgeon in BC) are well exposed. Do not bury the hook entirely within the bait, as this will lead to missed hooksets.
- Bait Thread/Buttons: In very strong currents or if you’re concerned about the bait coming off, using bait thread (elasticated string) to wrap the lamprey chunk securely to the hook shank can be beneficial. Small plastic bait buttons can also be used on the hook before adding the bait to prevent softer baits from sliding down.
Presenting Lamprey: Getting it to the Giants
The standard presentation for lamprey, like most sturgeon baits on the Fraser, is a static bottom rig.
- The Sliding Sinker Rig: This is the go-to setup. Your mainline passes through a sliding sinker clip (holding a heavy lead weight, often 8-24+ ounces depending on current and depth), then to a heavy-duty swivel. Below the swivel is your leader (typically 3-6 feet of 80-150lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon) terminating in your baited hook. This allows the sturgeon to pick up the bait and move off without immediately feeling the full weight of the sinker.
- Finding the Zone: Cast your baited rig into known sturgeon holding areas – deep holes, current seams (the edges between fast and slow water), drop-offs, and tail-outs of pools. A good fish finder can be invaluable in identifying these spots.
- Patience and Scent: Once your bait is on the bottom, patience is key. Give the potent scent of the lamprey time to disperse and attract any sturgeon in the vicinity. These fish may not find your bait immediately, but they will follow a strong scent trail.
When Does Lamprey Shine Brightest?
While effective year-round, lamprey truly comes into its own in several scenarios:
- Murky Waters: During spring freshet or after heavy rains when water clarity is low, the powerful scent of lamprey cuts through the turbidity, making it easier for sturgeon to locate.
- Shoulder Seasons & Winter: In the cooler water temperatures of early spring, late fall, and winter, when sturgeon metabolism slows and scent disperses less effectively for other baits, the high oil content of lamprey remains a strong attractant.
- When Other Baits Are Scarce: If fresh eulachon or prime salmon roe isn’t available, lamprey is an excellent and reliable fallback.
- Targeting Trophy Fish: Some believe that larger, more experienced sturgeon can become wary of commonly presented baits. The unique and natural scent of lamprey can sometimes tempt these more cautious giants.
Pro-Tips for Lamprey Success on the Fraser
- Fresh is Best (Even Frozen): While frozen, ensure it hasn’t been freezer-burnt or refrozen multiple times. Quality matters.
- Don’t Be Afraid of Size: For targeting larger sturgeon, a substantial chunk of lamprey (2-3 inches) is perfectly acceptable.
- Refresh Regularly: While durable, the potent oils will eventually leach out. In active fishing situations, consider refreshing your lamprey chunk every 60-90 minutes, or sooner if you suspect it has lost its potency or been nibbled.
- Consider the Current: In very swift currents, ensure your bait is extra secure. You might also opt for slightly more streamlined chunks.
- One Rod Dedicated to Lamprey: Many experienced anglers will run at least one rod with lamprey, even when other baits like roe are in season, as its unique appeal can sometimes draw strikes when nothing else will.
Respecting the Resource and the Bait
Pacific Lamprey play their own role in the Fraser River’s ecosystem. Source your bait from reputable suppliers. As always, when fishing for the magnificent White Sturgeon of the Fraser, strictly adhere to all catch-and-release regulations. Handle these ancient fish with the utmost care, minimizing air exposure and ensuring they are revived properly before release. This ensures that future generations of anglers, and the sturgeon themselves, can continue to thrive.
The Enduring Appeal of Lamprey
For many Fraser River sturgeon anglers, lamprey isn’t just another bait; it’s a confidence lure, a proven producer of bites from fish of all sizes, including the true river monsters. Its potent scent, natural appeal, and year-round effectiveness make it an indispensable part of any serious sturgeon angler’s arsenal.
So, next time you head out on the mighty Fraser, armed with the knowledge from Sturgeon BC, consider dedicating a rod to the unmistakable allure of lamprey. You might just find it’s the key to unlocking your next incredible sturgeon encounter.